Quincy kids head to Harvard Law in 'Legally Blonde Jr.'

By Tréa Lavery The Patriot Ledger

Thursday

May 31, 2018 at 11:18 PM

QUINCY - In place of her personal essay, Caitlin Dennehy, 11, parades into the room where three Harvard Law School professors are debating whether to admit her to the school, surrounded by her friends.

“I’m what you want, Harvard, I’m the girl for you,” she sings, and her backup responds, “Everyone admires her, and Harvard should too.”

The 11-year-old may not actually be applying to the Ivy League graduate school, but her character, Elle Woods, is in Mel-O-Drama School of Acting’s production of “Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.,” which opens this weekend.

The show is based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, in which sorority girl Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law out of a desire to be with him, and ends up passionately pursuing her newfound legal career despite her reputation as a dumb blonde.

“What I like about this one is the misconception that Elle Woods isn’t smart,” said Mel Gillespie, producer of the show and owner of the school, which offers classes and summer camps in the performing arts for kids. “It’s a good lesson for the kids that you can be both pretty and smart.”

Caitlin Dennehy said at a Thursday night dress rehearsal that she was excited to be playing the lead role, and although she hadn’t seen the film before the show was announced, she is now a fan.

“I thought it was really funny, and I like all the characters,” she said.

Her co-stars include Daniel Gray as Emmett Forrest, Patrick Gillespie as Professor Callahan, Xavier Sophinos as Warner Huntington and Caroline Beers as Vivienne Kensington. They are also joined by Dalai Jade, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and miniature poodle mix, who plays Woods’ dog, Bruiser.

Robyn Fatseas, Dalai’s owner and Mel-O-Drama’s “fairy godmother,” or resident therapist, said that the trained therapy dog is a constant presence at the school, offering support to students and staff when they get stressed. Her training as a support animal works out well for the show, too, as she easily follows cast members around onstage.

“We always keep her in something, so she knows she’s working,” Fatseas joked, pointing to the dog’s bright pink vest.

Gillespie said that the rehearsal process for the show has been very smooth, due to new adult members of the production team to lend helping hands, as well as a new rehearsal space at Wollaston Congregational Church.

Overall, though, she said that the kids have had a great time, due to the fun music and colorful cast of everything from serious lawyers to drama-filled sorority girls.

“The kids are absolutely loving it,” Gillespie said. “But if I hear ‘Oh my God!’ one more, time, I may combust!”

Performances of “Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.” will be held at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at North Quincy High School, 316 Hancock St.